As we approach the 100th anniversary of the devastating 1923 Berkeley Fire, the Fire Ready Fest, scheduled for September 17, offers a unique opportunity to commemorate this tragic event while arming citizens with vital knowledge and resources to be better prepared in the future.

According to an announcement in the City of Berkely, the Fire Ready Fest will feature activities suitable for all ages, including interactive games and demonstrations that teach practical tips for protecting homes and families from fires. The event comes as part of a broader effort by the Berkeley Fire Department to better prepare the community for wildfires, which includes expanded inspections for hillside properties, new emergency alerting systems, and supportive programs aimed at helping residents create safer conditions around their homes.

The fest will also serve as the first citywide activation of Berkeley's new outdoor warning system. This test activation, using chime tones instead of the siren wail typically signaling an emergency, offers participants the chance to see the technology up close. 

The 1923 Berkeley Fire serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent vulnerability of the region to wildfires. The fire burned from the hills to the flats, only stopping when the wind shifted. While the city is better equipped to respond to fires today, denser hillside development and vegetation have complicated firefighting and evacuation efforts. Furthermore, climate change has made the dry and windy conditions that fueled the historic blaze even more common, increasing the need for comprehensive wildfire awareness and preparedness.

Through the Fire Ready Fest, participants can gain practical knowledge on fire-preparation, protecting their homes from wildfires by creating defensible spaces and hardening their homes with simple upgrades such as installing metal screens over gutters and vents. Furthermore, they can learn about evacuation plans and the importance of leaving high-risk areas like hills before a fire breaks out.

The Berkeley Fire Department has been working to reduce the risk of wildfires in the community. With funding from Measure FF, the department has created a comprehensive wildfire protection plan, an inspection program that provides customized fire prevention plans for over 8,500 homes, increased public education about fire prevention, and expanded the chipper program to be available citywide.